Obituaries

Richard Nels Pearson

Photo of Richard Nels Pearson
Dr. Richard Nels Pearson, 81, of Bentonville, Ark. passed away peacefully, Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at Mercy Hospital in Rogers. He was born May 8, 1935 in Sheridan, Wyoming to Evert Lester Pearson and Claudia Piatte Pearson. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was awarded The Legion of Merit for his dedication to the injured and his service to his country. Dr. Pearson was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, George Pearson and his nephew, Jay Pearson. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Eva Hodge Pearson; his son, Michael Pearson of Seattle, Washington and his daughter, Annette Pearson Gean and husband, Tom of Bentonville. He is also survived by his wife, Eva's children, Wendell Richardson and wife Becky of Springfield, Missouri, Janet Irwine and husband, Jim of San Antonio, Texas and Tim Richardson of Bentonville. He is survived by 11 grandchildren, Diana, Katherine and Brian Pearson, Buster, Pearson, Emily Anne Gean, Eva and Renee Irwine, Jade McKnight, Melissa Poltz, David Richardson and many colleagues, patients and dear friends. Dr. Pearson received Bachelor of Arts and Masters of Science degrees from the University of North Dakota. He was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity there. He received a medical degree from the University of Kansas. After a residency in Wichita, Kansas he became the first Board Certified surgeon to practice in Benton County where he felt honored to care for many patients. It was his calling and he loved doing it, never concerned if a patient could pay him, he just helped sick people get better. During his career, he served as Chief of Staff at St. Mary's Hospital in Rogers, was President of the Arkansas Medical Society and taught classes in the nursing program at NWACC. He was a member of Fellowship Bible Church in Rogers and a graduate of BSF. He loved the men in his Thursday morning study group. His hobbies included golf, time on the lake, and photography. He also played various roles at the Rogers Little Theatre in his younger days. He loved to read history and had a passion for cooking. If you knew him well you probably enjoyed a meal in his home where he and Eva loved to serve their family and friends. At his request, no services will be held. He will be laid to rest at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Memorials may be made in memory of Dr. Pearson to the Arkansas Children's Hospital Northwest, Mercy Hospital or St. Jude's Research Hospital. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers. Words of comfort or memories may be shared at stockdalefueral.com.

Published April 28, 2017

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